Boise Tackle Football Program

Optimist offers tackle football to participants ages 8 years old through 12 years old serving Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Star, Mountain Home, Kuna, Emmett, Homedale, Marsing, Nampa, and Middleton.

Tackle teams are formed based around the school a participant attends and area where they live. Once assigned to a team, those players stay with the same coaches and players throughout their time in the program, with the exception of Rookie (8 yr old) teams.

Each player is required to play a minimum number of plays each half to help ensure more equitable playing time.

Every team plays seven games throughout the season. Teams also travel to other clubs and leagues for games.

Your child joins a team that is set up according to neighborhood. Everyone participates - no tryouts. Age and weight also determine team placement.

Your child is on a 4 year path, where the team stays, develops, and grow together, with a well-trained coach who is also committed to a 4 year run.

This approach creates continuity in development, maximizes relationships with teammates and coaches - along with life lessons and lasting memories.

The Basics: Optimist Tackle Football

Ages: 8-12 years

Season: Early August through October

Games: Saturdays, 7 games, Optimist Youth Sports Complex; Hill Rd, Boise (may include some limited travel to Treasure Valley towns; may include additional championship game for 11 and 12 year old divsions). All 12 year olds will play an 8th “Bowl” game the last day of the season.

Practices: In your neighborhood, 4 times/week (5 times in first 3 weeks)

Teams: Boise and surrounding towns

Cost: $185/season; jersey and helmet provided; other equipment available as package from area sporting goods stores

Ages and Weights

Age cut-off is midnight on September 1st of the current year.
(*Players exceeding the maximum weight for his/her age will have the option to advance to a higher age league but they must meet the weight requirement for that league. No player can advance more than two age brackets - no exceptions.)

Rookie League (8 years) - maximum weight:

100

Freshman League (9 years) - maximum weight:

115

Sophomore League (10 years) - maximum weight:

130

Junior League (11 years) - maximum weight:

145

Senior League (12 years) - maximum weight:

170

Download Current OYF Rulebook (.doc)

Coaches you can count on

The coaches of Optimist Football care as much about your child and his youth sports experience as you do.

We craft practices and games so your child can:

• Watch their skills grow with each practice
• Be encouraged for their effort and progress
• Develop knowledge of the game and a love for competing
• Be in a setting that follows the latest guidelines for safety, with strict adherence and mandatory training and certification for coaches
• Enjoy the camaraderie of team mates